George Smith will pull on the famous Cage Warriors yellow gloves for the first time in 3 years, when he faces Craig Rawlins at Cage Warriors 175.
The return to the Cage Warriors roster marks an extremely significant part of Smith’s career, after almost having to walk away from the sport in 2021.
The Manchester Top Team man was swiftly making his way through the Cage Warriors Middleweight division before suffering consecutive losses to Matthew Bonner and Mick Stanton. Feeling like he was struggling to maintain a decent level of fitness even when training following the defeats, Smith went to get an assessment on his health and was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation and was told not to train for the foreseeable future. This was a huge blow to the Halifax native and ultimately led to two years on the sidelines whilst he received treatment.
Smith returned early last year and secured 2 first round finishes on the domestic scene in 2023. He has also competed once in 2024, dropping a unanimous decision to Tye Palmer.
Now back in the big leagues, Smith is more than prepared to put on a show on July 25th. Speaking to Fighters Only, he said:
“I can't wait to get back in there. I feel I've been on a journey to get back to here and want to push on now.
“Carl and the team at Manchester Top Team have improved me technically, physically and mentally so I feel like I can perform at the level I expect of myself.”
Although originally from Halifax, Smith now resides in Manchester and is relishing the chance to make his big comeback in front of an adopted home crowd:
“I remember getting the win at the first Cage Warriors Manchester just before lockdown and I want to experience that again.
“A big home crowd as it was last time!
“Big MMA weekend in Manchester with the UFC on the Saturday so I'm excited.”
Looking to spoil the party on July 25th, Rawlins. After signing with Cage Warriors in December 2023, Rawlins made his promotional debut at Cage Warriors 168 but was denied a dream start to live in the yellow gloves when he was submitted by Tom Nicholls in the third round of their contest. Smith is expecting a tough night but believes he has enough to get his hand raised in the Middleweight affair.
“Craig is tough with decent skills but I'm back feeling great and want to show my skill set.
“I’m training hard with great sparring partners at Manchester Top Team. Andrew Clamp, Scott Askham and loads of younger prospects that I'm sure you'll see on the big shows in the future.”
